Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Dec 22: Vote counting for Goa’s rural Zilla Panchayat elections began on Monday at 14 counting centres—six in North Goa and eight in South Goa—after polling on Saturday saw participation from over six lakh voters. The exercise has already thrown up several notable trends and surprises as results continue to trickle in.
The Congress has taken the lead in the Calangute and Santa Cruz ZP constituencies, despite both areas being represented by BJP MLAs. In an unexpected outcome, the party also secured victory in Davorlim, while the BJP managed to hold on to Xeldem, which is the home constituency of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar. Another upset came from Arambol, where Independent candidate Radhika Paleykar defeated the BJP–MGP alliance nominee.
The BJP, however, posted wins in Sanvordem, Latambarcem—where Padmakar Malik emerged victorious—and Calangute, with Franzilia Rodrigues securing the seat. BJP candidate Maheswar Govekar also registered a win from the Siolim ZP constituency.
Several seats witnessed multi-cornered contests, underscoring the fragmented nature of local politics. Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and Raia candidate Inacina Luis Pinto were among those in the fray, adding to the competitiveness of the elections.
Political observers have highlighted the exceptionally high voter turnout—the highest since Zilla Panchayat elections were introduced in 2005—as a defining feature of this poll. Political analyst Cleofato Coutinho noted that while high turnout is often seen as a sign of anti-incumbency, recent years in Goa have shown instances of pro-incumbency, particularly in elections driven by strong local issues. The surge in voting is also being linked to aggressive campaigning by sitting MLAs, including those from the opposition.
Though the Zilla Panchayat outcomes may not immediately reshape Goa’s broader political equations, analysts believe they offer valuable insight into rural public mood ahead of the next assembly elections. The results are also expected to influence how the government approaches contentious issues such as the Arpora fire incident, the alleged cash-for-jobs scam, illegal land conversions, and concerns over rising crime.
Counting is still in progress, with the complete set of results expected to be announced later in the day.